If there's a history for non-payment, it might be good to prepare yourself prior to taking the tenant in - a lot of landlords can opt to take first months, last months, and security deposit.

If so, where should I look and what should I be doing right now to be prepared for when I graduate?

You could cover them with something more durable for tenants to beat up, then refinish down the road if you're ever preparing to sell.

Sandy - be prepared that Oakland realtors typically lis 20-50% below expected close price to drive buyer anxiety and competitive bidding.

Prepare to bring about 20% of the Purchase Price as a down payment.

So like for example closing and title transfers from if i were to just go ahead and purchase the property as the legal entity instead of an LLC, after title transfers would be expensive to my understanding and not needed with proper preparation. 

Any spouse in it for the long haul should understand and be willing to support this venture as long as you are willing to keep them in the loop of what you are doing...who knows, they may want to go in with you which would be awesome! 

So to prepare your return, answer your emails quickly, offer advising. 

Cash on hand is preparation.

Repairs come up, so you need to be prepared for that as well.